12 days in Western Europe Itinerary

A small country packing a big punch in terms of tourist attractions, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe, its cities soaked in history and famed for their lively arts, fashion, and dining scenes. Although it advertises itself simply as "A Food Lover's Dream," this country of just 11 million people boasts a rich architectural heritage, world-famous breweries, pristine natural areas, and touching memorials marking major battlegrounds from both World War I and World War II. Put the country's elegant cities of Brussels and Bruges at the top of your itinerary, but don't forget that Belgium's less-explored countryside offers dense forests, rolling hills, and lush valleys.

Île-de-France offers a wealth of treasures from its Parisian urban culture and natural frontiers to its romantic river walks along artistic landscapes that continue to inspire painters. The heartland of the country is like a miniature version of France as a whole, offering a sample of everything you've come to expect in the country: charming villages, museums, cathedrals, châteaux, parks, forests, river lands, and world-class shopping and restaurants, of course. Many locals still refer to the region as Région Parisienne or RP, because it's the most populated and affluent metropolitan area of the country. Although this region is small, it has borne witness to great historical battles, canvasses painted by old masters, and centuries of royalty, as evidenced by its wealth of attractions. Your vacation in the economic, religious, and political hub of France brings you up close and personal with diverse historical monuments, the pink turrets of Disney's castle, and the three surrounding rivers: the Seine, the Marne and the Oise.

Germany is the home of high culture, fine art, classical music, world-class sports, award-winning cuisine--and some of the world's best beers. It's also one of the major economic and political powers of the European continent. One of the founding members of the European Union, Germany is a federation of 16 states. Each boasts its own distinct culture, art, cuisine, regional traditions, and array of things to do. The country is known worldwide for its precision engineering and high-tech products. Equally, though, Germany is admired for its old-world charm and what is locally known as gemutlichkeit (coziness). This is one of the easiest countries in the world to explore, offering an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. German transportation runs with German efficiency. Therefore, getting around the various regions is almost always easy, quick, and pleasant. Visit the cities to explore museums, art galleries, modern restaurants, and trendy shops. Also be sure to venture deeper into the countryside. Here, you can discover ancient castles and bustling little villages. Often in these off-the-beaten-path areas, the main tourist attraction remains the simple hospitality of the friendly locals.